Good Research Methodologies: How Would You Create Data Gathering for Your MPhil Literary Review?

Research is the cornerstone of any MPhil (Master of Philosophy) literary thesis. For scholars delving into the realm of literature, creating an effective data-gathering strategy is paramount to producing a meaningful and impactful literary review. Whether you are exploring the works of Shakespeare, post-colonial narratives, or contemporary literature, adopting the right research methodologies can guide your findings and contribute to your field. But how do you structure a systematic plan for data collection for your MPhil literary review?

This article provides insights into designing robust research methodologies, incorporating primary and secondary data sources, and shedding light on strategies to ensure that your literary review meets academic standards.

Understanding the Essence of Literary Research

Unlike scientific research that often demands quantitative tools and experiments, literary research relies more on qualitative methodologies. The goal of a literary review is to critically analyze, evaluate, and interpret existing works rather than conduct laboratory-driven hypothesis testing. Therefore, your data-gathering process will focus on finding relevant sources, synthesizing information, and drawing connections between texts.

As David Silverman, a notable figure in qualitative research, stated:

“Good research enhances an individual’s understanding of the world by uncovering new perspectives or challenging existing ones.”

In the context of your MPhil literature review, uncovering nuanced perspectives is essential to contribute value to your chosen research topic.

Steps to Create a Data-Gathering Strategy for an MPhil Literary Review

The challenge of data gathering lies in organizing the wealth of available resources and tailoring them to suit your research objectives. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring a robust methodology for your MPhil literary review:

1. Clearly Define Your Research Objectives

The first and most critical step in your methodology is to outline the specific objectives of your research. What questions do you aim to answer? Which theories or frameworks will guide your analysis? Having a clear understanding of what you are investigating will provide focus and clarity when gathering data.

For instance, if you are exploring feminist ideologies in 19th-century literature, your data collection will revolve around texts authored by women, critiques from that era, and relevant contemporary analyses.

Table: Sample Research Objectives

2. Identify Relevant Primary Sources

Primary sources are the backbone of your MPhil literary review. In literature, they may encompass a wide spectrum, including novels, plays, poems, letters, autobiographies, or first-hand documents from authors.

For instance:

• If your focus is on Shakespeare, his early quartos or the First Folio would serve as prime sources.
• For contemporary themes, authors’ manuscripts, diaries, or unpublished drafts add depth to your work.

Important Tip: Be selective when gathering primary texts. Prioritize editions that are critically edited and authenticated.

3. Explore Thematic Secondary Sources

Secondary data is equally important as it helps to frame and contextualize your primary texts. These may include:

• Books and essays by established scholars in the field,
• Journal articles and papers,
• Literary criticism, reviews, and historiographies.

Referencing secondary sources will help you engage with existing scholarly debates and situate your research within a broader academic context.

Pro Tip: Use library databases like JSTOR, Project MUSE, or Google Scholar to find peer-reviewed articles relevant to your theme.

4. Utilize Digital Tools for Literature Search

In the modern digital age, online repositories and software have revolutionized research methodologies. Some tools can help in organizing your references, annotating texts, or accessing archival records.

Recommended Digital Tools:

• Zotero or Mendeley: For citation management.
• Voyant Tools: For textual analysis of large literary texts.
• Google Books Ngram Viewer: For exploring historical trends in literature.

By using such resources, you can save time and enhance the precision of your data collection efforts.

5. Annotate and Organize Your Findings

Organizing the data you collect is foundational to creating coherence in your literary review. Utilize spreadsheets, knowledge management tools, or research diaries to catalog sources or take notes.

Annotation Tips:

• Highlight key quotes from primary texts that align with your thesis statement.
• Summarize the major arguments from secondary sources to ensure clarity in referencing them later.

6. Adopt Multidisciplinary Perspectives

In today’s literary research, crossing disciplinary borders offers rich insights. For example:

• If examining post-colonial literature, touch upon historical and sociopolitical studies.
• Exploring ecocriticism? Draw connections to environmental studies.

This approach not only diversifies the data but enriches your analysis.

7. Critically Analyze Reliability of Sources

It is crucial to critically evaluate the reliability and relevance of the data you gather. Ask yourself the following:

• Was this source peer-reviewed?
• Are the arguments and theories aligned with my research framework?
• Is there an evident bias in the interpretation of the work?

A rigorous evaluation process will strengthen the credibility of your literary review.

Challenges in Data Gathering and How to Overcome Them

Literary research often comes with its set of challenges. Here are some potential hurdles and solutions:

FAQs about Research Methodologies in MPhil Literary Review

Q1. What is the most important step in gathering data for a literary review?
A. Defining clear research objectives is key. It streamlines your focus and ensures that the sources collected are relevant to your study.

Q2. Should I prioritize primary or secondary sources?
A. Both types are equally important for a literary review. Primary sources form the core of your research, while secondary sources provide context and support critical analysis.

Q3. How can I ensure my research is unique?
A. Find a niche in your topic and look for gaps in existing literature. Develop your interpretation instead of rehashing widely discussed viewpoints.

Q4. Are digital tools necessary for data collection?
A. While not strictly necessary, digital tools make the process easier, especially for managing references, analyzing texts, and gaining access to digital archives.

Q5. How can I avoid plagiarism in a literary review?
A. Always cite your sources meticulously using academic styles like MLA, APA, or Chicago. Paraphrase appropriately and use plagiarism detection software if needed.

Conclusion

Creating a well-structured data-gathering methodology for your MPhil literary review requires meticulous planning, critical evaluation, and adherence to academic standards. By defining your research objectives, leveraging both traditional and modern tools, and synthesizing primary and secondary sources effectively, you can lay a solid foundation for your study in the field of literature.

Whether you are analyzing classical works or modern texts, remember that the heart of your research lies in delivering new insights. As you navigate the intellectual terrain of literary studies, your rigorous methodology, critical thinking, and originality will shine through your work.